Secretary Andrade told attendees Texas will continue to be a leader in the nation’s economic recovery, thanks to business leaders who continue the Texas tradition of hard-work, determination and innovation.

“It is business leaders like all of you that put Texas in this incredibly desirable position,” Secretary Andrade said. “So when I talk about certainty in our state’s future, know that my certainty is based on what you have done and will continue to do for business in Texas.”

The Secretary said Plano’s recent recognition in Businessweek’s 2011 Best American Cities list and ranking as the nation’s 10th Best Run City by 24/7 Wall Street are reasons businesses and people are moving to Texas. Over the last decade, Texas added 4.2 million residents, and Collin County’s population increased by more than 59 percent.

Secretary Andrade also applauded Plano and Collin County for diversifying its workforce to attract new business. She also credited Plano for fostering an environment that is friendly to both large and small business development.

“Every single job is important,” she said. “Many small businesses grow into large businesses. That’s not just critical to Plano’s future, but to the future of the entire state.”